Monday, February 11, 2013

Pledges for Kenya in the Amani manifesto



MUSALIA MUDAVADI
Today AMANI Coalition presents to you a REAL manifesto, one that reflects the realities existing in Kenya today. It is not anchored in the air or on false premises and promises. It is anchored in our nationhood and in the economic and social realities which Kenya faces today. We do make promises yes, but we marry expectations and realities which will guide our country into the future.
I have seen manifestos and more manifestoes in recent times. The crunch of numbers is amusing. But like they say, if I cannot tell you the truth, I will cheat you with statistics.
I have seen manifestoes that do not reflect our national budgetary realities. Others are stretched pipe dreams and heightened propaganda meant to hoodwink the people. It is as if you are being told, you asked for a manifesto? Well, here it is!
I am not a cynical person. I am more of a realist with a pragmatic sense of purpose. Over the last half of 2012, the Kenya Revenue Authority collected only Sh380 billion, less than half of what it had projected. These means we don’t have the money for grandiose dream projects, the kind I have read about lately.
We must balance our genuine expectations against the resources available for economic growth and the need to roll out our development wheels. We must generate resources first then channel them into development.
We therefore must make real choices between those who promise heaven but will lead us to hell; and those of us who remain grounded on the optimism that together as a nation we will not run away from the difficulties ahead.
I have been in politics long enough to know where this nation ought to go. My experience in government has been a learning platform. I know what is probable, what is possible, and what is imponderable.
That this nation needs to change, that we must shift gear and refocus on our strengths is not an option. We must bring answers to the myriad problems facing our people. Engaging in empty rhetoric, inciting our people against one another and fuelling animosity will not solve our problems. We can only be led into chaos.
Kenya has to be entrusted to sober minds and safe hands that can stabilise our fears of each other and the fear of the unknown. You do not want to go into a transition or exit one when we are uncertain and polarised.
I was in Tana River on Saturday and I am convinced that as Amani, we have done the right thing to steer and stand for peace, reconciliation and a cohesive society.
I went on to Kizingitini in Lamu and I am convinced we are doing the right thing when steer clear of confrontation, malice, witch hunt and politics of deceit.
Fellow Kenyans;
We are not an island; we live in a village called the world. When the recession coughs in Europe, we suffer the pangs of prolonged economic stagnation here. An economy that has collapsed does not create conditions for peace. We therefore must avoid the temptation to wish away out development partners. That kind of naivety can only mean we suffocate the gains we have so far struggled to attain.
Let us not play with the lives of 40 million Kenyans. In AMANI, we commit to regional and international integration and cooperation while upholding the integrity and sovereignty of the Kenyan nation as an independent State.
When I talk peace, reconciliation, security and stability to you, I am not imitating the religious preacher. I know that these are the pre-conditions that will enable the proud Kenyan woman feel free to compete and fulfil her potential in life. These are indeed the pre-conditions that will allow us to restructure the economy, implement skill-based education, and let the proud Kenyan woman and skilled Kenyan youth release the cannons of their potential to be employed and also create employment.
For us in AMANI, State funded free nursery, primary and secondary education is not an enticement for your vote. It is a must do because it is the catalyst to a revamped economy and an avenue for inclusivity for the marginalised, minorities, youth and women. It is not grandstanding; it is real and achievable. It is what Kenyans have spoken about.
In AMANI, we propose to diversify and usher in sensible management of the economy as a means to expand our agricultural production into value addition through decentralised processing and packaging of resources at production points, an effective transportation system and improved marketing infrastructure.
In AMANI, we promise not the impossible but to strictly and faithfully commit to full implementation of the Constitution and the rule of law, especially the devolution agenda; leadership and integrity and the Bill of Rights.
By April, we want to have functioning County Governments that will make our counties incubators for economic growth. We want functioning County Land Commissions in place to begin the process of identifying and redressing historical land injustices.
In AMANI, we seek to expedite the completion of Vision 2030 flagship projects particularly physical infrastructure like the early completion of the US$23 billion LAPSSET Project in partnership with local and Kenya Diaspora entrepreneurs, and international partners. LAPSSET is real. It will open up a 600 million people market in East and Central Africa for Kenyan goods and services. It will enable us exploit our natural resources and generate further investment opportunities for Kenyans along its rail, road and pipeline corridors.
This is why in AMANI, we want to provide an effective and efficient security system that assures Kenyans, and local and international investors’ safety and protection of life and property.
In AMANI, we know it may take time before all our economic expectations are realized. But I know we shall get there;
1. To create and sustain an effective youth empowerment strategy that guarantees and ensures central participation of the youth in wealth creation, decision-making and policy implementation within governance and private sector structures; and as a bulwark against poverty generated insecurity.
2. To provide accessible and affordable healthcare, clean portable water and a comprehensive social security scheme with medical insurance policy for all senior citizens and people with disability.
3. Mainstream gender to guarantee that constitutional provisions are strictly complied with.
4. Distribute national resources under devolution policy equitably to ensure that those in disadvantaged regions effectively share in national resources.
Our AMANI Manifesto shows you the way forward clearly and consistently. Indeed, we have not forgotten to invite you for debate. In the appendix, we have provided a proposal on the structure of the executive as required by the constitution. We invite you to offer informed suggestions on what aspects of service should fall within which ministry.
This invitation is open because we want you to be part of forming the AMANI government on March 5th, God willing.
GOOD PEOPLE OF KENYA;
I LOVE YOU ALL AND I AM READY TO SERVE.
MAY WE DWELL IN UNITY, PEACE AND LIBERTY
MAY WE LIVE TO SEE THE FRUITS OF OUR LABOUR
IN A LAND OF PLENTY WITHIN OUR BORDERS
AMANI IS ABOUT ECONOMIC STABILITY, PEACE AND SECURITY.
Stretch your hands towards the ballot box and vote AMANI because that is where your destiny lies and decent lives will thrive in a pair of safe hands. Give me your Vote
God bless Amani. God bless Kenya.

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